BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving. BMW 5 series engine produces 48 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 120 NM less than BMW 3 series. Due to the lower power, BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.8 seconds later.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.4
6.6
Real fuel consumption:
7.1 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
The BMW 5 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 5 series consumes 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that by driving the BMW 5 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 30 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 5 series consumes 0.4 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
61 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1090 km in combined cycle
920 km in combined cycle
1340 km on highway
1080 km on highway
980 km with real consumption
810 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
BMW 3 sērija 2008: BMW xDrive is a proactive all-wheel drive system without a center differential that engages before the vehicle becomes destabilized, unnoticed by the driver. Torque is distributed between the axles by an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The clutch is partially locked most of the time, distributing power to both axles in a 40/60 front/rear ratio, but the system is capable of sending 100% of the torque to either axle. At high speeds or when parking, for example, the clutch is disengaged and all power is sent to the rear wheels. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) also brakes the wheels individually to regain traction and assist in cornering.
Ground clearance:
143 mm (5.6 inches)
140 mm (5.5 inches)
Dimensions
Length:
4.84 m
4.53 m
Width:
1.85 m
1.82 m
Height:
1.49 m
1.44 m
BMW 5 series is larger. BMW 5 series is 31 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, 3 cm wider, while the height of BMW 5 series is 5 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
500 litres
460 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1650 litres
1385 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage capacity. BMW 5 series has 40 litres more trunk space than the BMW 3 series. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in BMW 5 series (by 265 litres).
BMW 5 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 3 series, so BMW 5 series quality could be a bit better.
